Financial Aid Counsellor

Financial Aid Counsellor – University of Guelph Location: Guelph, CA, N1G 2W1 Reporting to the Assistant Registrar, Student Awards & Financial Aid, the Financial Aid Counsellor provides comprehensive and confidential financial counselling and advising to more than 36,000 graduate, undergraduate, and diploma students, as well as prospective undergraduate students. The incumbent demonstrates creative solutions to meet Guelph’s guarantee to an accessible university education by leveraging all financial aid sources, expertise, and knowledge, including but not limited to government aid programs, institutional aid programs, social service programs, and private loans and lines of credit. The incumbent must be knowledgeable in academic policies and procedures as these directly impact students’ ability to access financial aid programs. The Financial Aid Counsellor administers more than 19,000 government aid program applications, including the Canada Student Loan program, provincial and territorial student aid programs, and the US loan program. The position meets all fiduciary and audit requirements. Responsibilities Proactively identify changes in government aid programs that directly impact students and implement strategies to mitigate potential negative effects. Serve as the primary point of contact for students with difficult, sensitive, and unique financial situations and advise them accordingly. Accept, review, and approve or deny students’ requests for government aid appeals and ensure appeal files are complete and accurate. Provide training to LINC Service Assistants on government aid processes and act as the first point of contact for financial aid staff at the University of Guelph-Humber. Participate in recruitment activities such as Fall and Spring Open Houses, Campus Days, the Ontario Universities’ Fair, and other events to share information about financial need programs. Support the development and delivery of financial literacy programs for current students. Advocate and represent the interests of the University of Guelph and Guelph-Humber students with OASFAA and CASFAA. Requirements Undergraduate degree with five (5) years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge of Colleague, the student information system, WebAdvisor, and MCURES One-key; preference for applicants with experience using these applications. Knowledge of academic policies and procedures, financial aid policies, and procedures, with preference for applicants experienced with student account and government aid policies and procedures. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to handle difficult situations, maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and demonstrate tact and diplomacy. Detail‑oriented and analytical with demonstrated problem‑solving skills and initiative. Highly organized with excellent time management and proven stress‑management skills. Willing and able to work overtime during peak financial aid periods (January and July–September). Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, high‑volume environment with constant interruptions. Strong computer competency using the Microsoft Office Suite. Must be available to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends. Employee Type: Regular Position Number: Classification: P&M FT- Band 05 Professional/Managerial Salary Bands: The target hiring salary for this position is minimum and up to 96% of midpoint for the salary grade. At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including those who may contribute to further diversification. Posting Date: 11/27/2025 | Closing Date: 12/11/2025 #J-18808-Ljbffr